Cleophus Prince Jr., born on July 24, 1967, became known for his chilling role in a series of crimes in San Diego County, California. In 1993, he was sentenced to death after being found guilty of the rape and murder of six women. These horrifying acts took place from January to September 1990 and were later called the Clairemont serial killings, as most occurred in that neighborhood.

Before these heinous crimes, Prince served in the United States Navy. His military career ended on a sour note in 1989 when he was court-martialed for larceny, which is theft. This conviction led to a recommendation that he be discharged after serving his sentence.

Cleophus Prince Jr.'s life took a dark turn after he was discharged from the Navy in 1989 for larceny. He relocated to the Buena Vista Gardens apartment complex in San Diego, unknowingly setting the stage for a series of dreadful events. This location was eerily close to where he would commit his first murders.

Prince's attacks were sudden and brutal. He preyed on women, often entering their apartments through unlocked doors or windows during the daytime. His victims were usually alone and vulnerable, often caught off guard just after taking a bath. He used kitchen knives found in their homes to carry out the murders, leaving the community in fear and the police scrambling for leads.

The killings began with 20-year-old Tiffany Paige Schultz, who was murdered in January 1990. Although her boyfriend was initially suspected, he was soon released, and the true extent of the terror was yet to be revealed. Prince went on to murder Janene Marie Weinhold, Holly Suzanne Tarr, Elissa Naomi Keller, and Pamela Gail Clark and her daughter Amber. Each murder was a puzzle piece, leading investigators closer to Prince.

The turning point in the investigation came when Prince attempted a burglary in February 1991 but was thwarted by a quick-thinking victim who sought help. This led to his capture, as witnesses were able to provide police with his license plate number. DNA evidence and testimonies later confirmed his connection to the murders, leading to his arrest and trial. In 1993, Prince was convicted on six counts of first-degree murder, among other charges, and was sentenced to death. He remains on death row at San Quentin State Prison.